He only knew what he’d been told. He hadn’t been there to witness it. By the time he arrived, North Star had become a graveyard of hacked bodies, and Dyna had disappeared. When he finally found her on the frozen mountain, she was curled within the burrow of theHyalustree. Her skin was blue from the cold, terrified eyes staring at nothing as she repeated only one thing.
“The Shadow is coming.”
Cassiel rubbed his chin. “Whatever happened, I assumed it was revenge that drove her on this journey and the determination to save her village, when it was fear. A fear so suffocating and heavy, she would do anything to remove it.” He shook his head and wrapped his fingers around the sapphire ring hanging from his neck. “Lucenna’s right. We all have selfish reasons for going to Mount Ida. What is yours?”
To protect Dyna.
Cassiel eyed him, guessing his response. “I think a part of you believes that, but I do not. Neither does your wolf.”
We know the true reason, don’t we, beastie?The Madness whispered.
Zev dug his claws in the dirt. He’d left Lykos not because they despised him, but because he feared what would happen if he succumbed to the Madness. It was growing stronger, determined to take over, and one day it would. He was an imminent danger to everyone, so it was best to leave and put an end to his misery.
But then the quest gave him a way out.
From the moment of her birth, Zev had cared for Dyna and her happiness. His wolf would always want to protect her, but he hadn’t deliberated about joining her on this dangerous journey. In one shape or form, he knew they would reach a pivotal point where her survival may require the loss of his. It was the perfect opportunity to die—and for it to be mean something.
He’d been a drunk fool during the night at the Moors, searching for an easy escape while forgetting the real reason he’d come. There was only one person he would give up his life for. Dyna needed him, and he would go as far as he could to keep her safe.
Zev’s stiff body sagged as the Madness retracted its claws and withdrew into the depths of his being. Not gone, but lurking, waiting, now that all sides of him understood his intention. Letting go of his wolf, Zev shifted. He stood on two legs and inhaled a steady, filling his lungs with the frosted air, tasting the pine and earth on his tongue.
He would no longer chase death.
When it was time, it would come to him.
“We all have our reasons, Your Highness. I, at last, understand mine.”
Cassiel opened his mouth to answer but glanced down, then rapidly away. “Dress yourself at once, you unrefined lout. I cannot have a serious conversation with you when you are naked as the dawn.”
Zev chuckled and mussed his hair. “Why? Yours is the same as mine.”
Cassiel flicked his hand away. “No. No, it is not.”
Once Zev dressed, they caught up with the others on the path to the fishing town. He waved and called Dyna’s name. When she saw him, she broke into a relieved smile and brought Fair to a stop. Once she slid off the saddle, she ran for him, and Zev caught her in his arms.
“I’m right here,” he said. “As long as you need me, I’ll be right here.”
Dyna squeezed him tight. “I will always need you, Zev.”
Perhaps not always, but until then, he would stay.
Chapter 36
Von
Silent like a cat, Von stalked behind Dalton and Geon, where they crouched by a wagon. The boys snickered quietly as they peered at four Raiders sitting by a campfire, enjoying their evening meal. Dalton flicked his finger, and a pebble went flying. A Raider jumped up and cursed, rubbing the back of his head. The boys ducked, smothering their chortles.
Geon elbowed him. “Do Gord next.”
Dalton grinned and wiggled his fingers. A bald, stout Raider roared when his mug burst and soaked him in ale. The boys fell back on the ground, rolling with laughter. It soon died when they noticed Von standing over them. They leaped to their feet, shrinking under his glare.
He crossed his arms. “I believe we can find a more productive use of your abilities, Dalton. Set to work on creating more Witch’s Brew for the Master.”
“Yes, Commander.” Dalton scurried away.
Von fixed his gaze on Geon, and the boy winced sheepishly. “Return to your duties, lad. The camp will move again soon.”
“Aye, sir.” He saluted and dashed for the cook’s tent.
